The Gifts We Give
“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.” ~David C. Gross
I came home from work yesterday and there was a box from my mom. Inside was an afghan that she knitted. It’s pretty and soft and smells just like her. It’s as comforting as a long hug and the perfect gift to find on a dreary February day.
Cat in a blanket (Photo credit: pelican)
It got me to thinking about the gifts we give our kids. What is it that we pass on that they’ll love and remember? My love of gardening, cooking, and occasional crafty whim can all be traced back to my mom. At the time I had no idea that the from-scratch dinners, carefully tended clematis, and DIY projects that were a constant part of my youth would profoundly shape my interests as an adult. I would’ve of never guessed that my 45-year-old self would smell every item from mom, happy and comforted to find her scent.
I wish these fond memories for my own children. I couldn’t knit to save my life, but every pot of soup, homemade birthday cake and book talk is a love letter to my kids that they’ll have long after they’ve flown the coop. At least I’d like to think so.
What is a gift that you cherish? What gift would you like to pass on to your kids?
I hope your day is full of love and fond memories!
Love,
Becky
Posted on February 7, 2013, in Home and tagged cooking, Craft, Do it yourself, food memories, home, Knitting, memories. Bookmark the permalink. 8 Comments.
It has always given me pleasure to make a personal gift for family ande friends. Whether it be knitted,cross stitched, share my plants, bake something. Those were the things I could do. I think doing for others has always been a good thing for me. Thank you Becky for making this dreary day brighter for me. I Love You.
I love you.
Becky,
Loved this post. What a great surprise to come home to a package then such a loving gift from your mom. I just love it. It got me thinking about the traditions that I have shared with our kids through the years… singing to them in the bathtub when they were little (Andy did this too), reading to them daily, asking my mom to share her Christmas cookie recipes with me and now, in turn I bake with my daughter at Christmastime. Our family having Sunday breakfast in the dining room. Holiday dinners with our best china and a special menu. Sharing my favorite book with my beautiful daughter Liz, ” Ann Morrow-Lindbergh’s “Gift of the Sea”. My own mom is 95, I have written about her here. It is amazing to me that she is still living independently and has all of her cognitive faculties. The legacy she and my dad created with our large, loving family is one that I have joyfully shared with our own kids, and hopefully, they will share with theirs.
Kim
Thanks for sharing your memories, Kim. As we get older they become more and more precious I think.
Love,
Becky
Oh there are many, some of them funny, but to keep it short, I can honestly say my love of lilacs, the beach, classical music, books, cooking, sports…all my mom…my grandmother and nana taught me how to knit & crochet so I think thats where my crafty side comes from…knowing how to body surf, to sing, my dad…. Thanks for making me think of all of them today
It’s a great way to spend a day, isn’t it? Thanks for sharing!
Love,
Becky
Hot chocolate with Marshmallow fluff after playing in the snow, birthday cake for breakfast the day after someone’s birthday, “spa” days with my daughter and game day with my son…the list is endless. Thank you for reminding me that I am not only showing love but I am also building a legacy. My favorite gift I cannot even begin to choose. I was blessed with amazing parents and raised with bountiful love. My most cherished item though is a worn flanned quilted jacket that my Dad favored. I swear it still smells like him and every once in a while when I allow myself the time to grieve, I hug it to my heart and thank God for the time that I had with him.
Beautful memories, Vanessa. Thanks for sharing!
Love,
Becky